Important travel update regarding the Northern Explorer train

Between 15 January 2025 and 27 January 2025 and Between 12 April 2025 and 28 April 2025.

Essential upgrade work will be taking place on the Auckland network to prepare for the City Rail Link to open in 2026. The tracks between Auckland Strand Railway Station and Hamilton are closed for train travel for this portion of the line while the Rail Network Rebuild work takes place. 

We are very pleased to advise that the Northern Explorer service will go ahead as planned however the first 2.5 hours portion of your journey will be replaced by bus.  

The bus will follow the standard timetable: 

·         Auckland departure at 7.45am 

·         Papakura departure at 8.35am

·         Hamilton arrival at 10.10am 

The transfer bus will meet the Northern Explorer train at Hamilton Railway Station. The train will depart Hamilton at 10.15am and continue travelling to Wellington following the standard train timetable.  

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Hobbiton Movie Set and Buffet Lunch (Auckland-Rotorua) - (from 1st October - 30th May 24')
Hobbiton Lunch
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour (AM)
 
Travel in style on a coach tour from Auckland to Hobbiton Movie Set and discover where cinematic magic was made!

A hidden gem near the township of Matamata, the Hobbiton Movie Set is a world-famous film location of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies.

See Hobbit Holes, stroll through the lush gardens, and learn how this private farm became Middle-earth.

You'll be expertly guided as you stroll around the set - stand in the doorway of a Hobbit Hole, see where Bilbo and Frodo lived, and top off your day with a complimentary beer, ale, cider, or ginger beer at The Green Dragon Inn.

Useful Tip: A complimentary pick-up and drop-off service is provided from various inner-city hotels.

Tour details

  • Full day tour
  • Operates daily
  • Departs and returns: Sky City Coach Terminal
  • Complimentary Hotel pick-up/drop-off is available
  • Spacious and scenic coach travel with commentary
  • Free WiFi on board coaches

Tour includes

  • Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour
  • Banquet lunch at the Green Dragon Inn

free wifi iconFree WiFi available on board

Hobbiton Movie Set and Buffet Lunch (Auckland-Rotorua)
Sun 12 Nov
Mon 13 Nov
Tue 14 Nov
Wed 15 Nov
Thu 16 Nov
Fri 17 Nov
Sat 18 Nov
Service is unavailable today, please select further day.